7.11.8 "What Do You Know About These Christians"

"What Do You Know About These Christians"

I Chronicles 11:1-12:18
Acts 28:1-31
Psalm 9:1-12
Proverbs 19:1-3

In Acts 28, Paul, after being shipwrecked on an island for several months finally arrives in Rome. He calls together the Jewish leaders to inform them of what he believes and let them know that is why he is in chains. Listen to the response of the Jewish leaders in Acts 8:22: "But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about these Christians is that they are denounced everywhere."

"The only thing we know about these Christians..." That would be an interesting door-to-door survey. What would your neighbor say to finish that sentence? What would mine? Our subdivision seems to be the melting pot of the world. We have many Muslims, many Sikhs, Hmong, as well as many others. There are 85 homes in our subdivision, and I'm sure if you asked most of them what their religion is, they would look at the list and say, "ummm, I'm Christian". But who do you think is easiest to identify by their actions? It's probably the Sikhs because of the difference in their dress and lifestyle. The only thing I know about them is they are very strict, and when they grill it smells REALLY good!

I'm not saying we need to bun our hair and wear jean skirts every where just so people know who we are, but it has been said that we are living in a "post-Christian society". Why is that? Where is the influence of Godly men and women? The point here has nothing to do with making a "visible" statement by wearing obnoxious clothing, but should there be a difference in how we live?

Who holds the reputation of Christ in their hand?

You do.

How does that affect the way you walk each day? Does that effect the way you work? The way you join in the discussion complaining about your boss?

Knowing Christ should make us different. I'm not talking about freakish zealots. I'm not saying that we have to turn "religious" and get all pious and snobbish. I'm talking about being people of integrity. People who care for those around us. People who go the extra mile for a neighbor instead of suing them.

What would your neighbors say?

"The only thing I know about these Christians is that they look down on us." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that their dog keeps coming in our yard." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that when I was sick they came and brought us dinner." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that they are the friendliest people on the block." "The only thing I know about these Christians is that their barbecue doesn't smell quite as good, but at least they invite us over!"

Live today as if you hold the reputation of Christ in your hand, Because you do! Living the DREAM should change your world.

"The only thing I know about those Christians is that I want to be like them."




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ